Ettie Bailey-King (she/her)
@ettiebaileyking.bsky.social
Inclusive and accessible communication educator
Pinned
Bold Type September 2025
Checkout page for Bold Type September 2025.
fightingtalk.thrivecart.com
I've got 3 free places left.
So I’ve extended applications for solidarity spaces (free and reduced price places on the course, for people who don’t have access to employer funding) until Monday 8 September at 12pm BST.
Check out the website for more ⬇️
fightingtalk.thrivecart.com/bold-type-20...
So I’ve extended applications for solidarity spaces (free and reduced price places on the course, for people who don’t have access to employer funding) until Monday 8 September at 12pm BST.
Check out the website for more ⬇️
fightingtalk.thrivecart.com/bold-type-20...
People read your content the way I eat my cereal.
Plucking out the chocolate chips. Sorting through fluff, looking for the treasure.
(Only 16% of people read every word on a page.)
Plucking out the chocolate chips. Sorting through fluff, looking for the treasure.
(Only 16% of people read every word on a page.)
December 5, 2025 at 8:01 PM
People read your content the way I eat my cereal.
Plucking out the chocolate chips. Sorting through fluff, looking for the treasure.
(Only 16% of people read every word on a page.)
Plucking out the chocolate chips. Sorting through fluff, looking for the treasure.
(Only 16% of people read every word on a page.)
Quick tip to improve your calls-to-action:
Clearly explain what the next step is, and why users should take it.
- Instead of: "Subscribe"
- Try: "Access weekly insights"
- Instead of: "Click here"
- Try: "Start my free trial"
- Instead of: "Learn more"
- Try: "Read more case studies"
Clearly explain what the next step is, and why users should take it.
- Instead of: "Subscribe"
- Try: "Access weekly insights"
- Instead of: "Click here"
- Try: "Start my free trial"
- Instead of: "Learn more"
- Try: "Read more case studies"
December 3, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Quick tip to improve your calls-to-action:
Clearly explain what the next step is, and why users should take it.
- Instead of: "Subscribe"
- Try: "Access weekly insights"
- Instead of: "Click here"
- Try: "Start my free trial"
- Instead of: "Learn more"
- Try: "Read more case studies"
Clearly explain what the next step is, and why users should take it.
- Instead of: "Subscribe"
- Try: "Access weekly insights"
- Instead of: "Click here"
- Try: "Start my free trial"
- Instead of: "Learn more"
- Try: "Read more case studies"
I don’t work with the concept of “unconscious bias”.
For me, the word “unconscious” serves to:
- soften the accusation
- remove accountability
- minimise seriousness
- dismiss the idea that it can - and should - be challenged
- make it sound natural (inevitable, even)
For me, the word “unconscious” serves to:
- soften the accusation
- remove accountability
- minimise seriousness
- dismiss the idea that it can - and should - be challenged
- make it sound natural (inevitable, even)
December 2, 2025 at 8:01 PM
I don’t work with the concept of “unconscious bias”.
For me, the word “unconscious” serves to:
- soften the accusation
- remove accountability
- minimise seriousness
- dismiss the idea that it can - and should - be challenged
- make it sound natural (inevitable, even)
For me, the word “unconscious” serves to:
- soften the accusation
- remove accountability
- minimise seriousness
- dismiss the idea that it can - and should - be challenged
- make it sound natural (inevitable, even)
I help folks write and speak in ways that welcome more people in.
Not with shaming or endless checklists, but with practical tools, encouragement, and space to practise.
3 ways you can work with me:
1. Bespoke workplace training
2. One-to-one coaching
3. Consultancy
Not with shaming or endless checklists, but with practical tools, encouragement, and space to practise.
3 ways you can work with me:
1. Bespoke workplace training
2. One-to-one coaching
3. Consultancy
December 1, 2025 at 8:01 PM
I help folks write and speak in ways that welcome more people in.
Not with shaming or endless checklists, but with practical tools, encouragement, and space to practise.
3 ways you can work with me:
1. Bespoke workplace training
2. One-to-one coaching
3. Consultancy
Not with shaming or endless checklists, but with practical tools, encouragement, and space to practise.
3 ways you can work with me:
1. Bespoke workplace training
2. One-to-one coaching
3. Consultancy
Infantilisation isn’t just about treating someone like they're younger.
It shows them as having less agency and competence, too.
Did you know? In the 1900s, white people often referred to Black men as “boys” to assert their "racial power".
It shows them as having less agency and competence, too.
Did you know? In the 1900s, white people often referred to Black men as “boys” to assert their "racial power".
November 27, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Infantilisation isn’t just about treating someone like they're younger.
It shows them as having less agency and competence, too.
Did you know? In the 1900s, white people often referred to Black men as “boys” to assert their "racial power".
It shows them as having less agency and competence, too.
Did you know? In the 1900s, white people often referred to Black men as “boys” to assert their "racial power".
Advice for fellow (neurodivergent) freelancers:
The better you know yourself, the better you can do your job ☺️
It doesn’t matter what other people can do. It matters what you can do.
It doesn’t matter when other people do their best work. It matters when you do.
(I could go on.)
The better you know yourself, the better you can do your job ☺️
It doesn’t matter what other people can do. It matters what you can do.
It doesn’t matter when other people do their best work. It matters when you do.
(I could go on.)
November 25, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Advice for fellow (neurodivergent) freelancers:
The better you know yourself, the better you can do your job ☺️
It doesn’t matter what other people can do. It matters what you can do.
It doesn’t matter when other people do their best work. It matters when you do.
(I could go on.)
The better you know yourself, the better you can do your job ☺️
It doesn’t matter what other people can do. It matters what you can do.
It doesn’t matter when other people do their best work. It matters when you do.
(I could go on.)
2026 is the year to connect more deeply with your colleagues and customers.
A great place to start: prioritise inclusive and accessible communication.
This can help you:
- strengthen your brand reputation
- reach more customers
- protect your team’s time/energy
- hire and retain talented people
A great place to start: prioritise inclusive and accessible communication.
This can help you:
- strengthen your brand reputation
- reach more customers
- protect your team’s time/energy
- hire and retain talented people
November 24, 2025 at 7:31 PM
2026 is the year to connect more deeply with your colleagues and customers.
A great place to start: prioritise inclusive and accessible communication.
This can help you:
- strengthen your brand reputation
- reach more customers
- protect your team’s time/energy
- hire and retain talented people
A great place to start: prioritise inclusive and accessible communication.
This can help you:
- strengthen your brand reputation
- reach more customers
- protect your team’s time/energy
- hire and retain talented people
Sometimes, I see ‘neurodiverse’ and ‘neurodivergent’ used interchangeably.
So, here are a few examples of these terms in sentences 👋
So, here are a few examples of these terms in sentences 👋
November 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Sometimes, I see ‘neurodiverse’ and ‘neurodivergent’ used interchangeably.
So, here are a few examples of these terms in sentences 👋
So, here are a few examples of these terms in sentences 👋
I’ve never been able to follow the "rules" of professionalism.
I’ve tried cutting out the:
- "would you mind if?" from my requests
- exclamation marks in emails
- emojis/chatty language
And I still can't do it!
I’ve tried cutting out the:
- "would you mind if?" from my requests
- exclamation marks in emails
- emojis/chatty language
And I still can't do it!
November 19, 2025 at 7:02 PM
I’ve never been able to follow the "rules" of professionalism.
I’ve tried cutting out the:
- "would you mind if?" from my requests
- exclamation marks in emails
- emojis/chatty language
And I still can't do it!
I’ve tried cutting out the:
- "would you mind if?" from my requests
- exclamation marks in emails
- emojis/chatty language
And I still can't do it!
Alt text is the unsung hero of the internet.
Read my full post on The Marketing Meetup's website: https://themarketingmeetup.com/blog/what-is-alt-text-and-why-does-it-matter/
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair. I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with hanging prints.
Read my full post on The Marketing Meetup's website: https://themarketingmeetup.com/blog/what-is-alt-text-and-why-does-it-matter/
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair. I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with hanging prints.
November 9, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Alt text is the unsung hero of the internet.
Read my full post on The Marketing Meetup's website: https://themarketingmeetup.com/blog/what-is-alt-text-and-why-does-it-matter/
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair. I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with hanging prints.
Read my full post on The Marketing Meetup's website: https://themarketingmeetup.com/blog/what-is-alt-text-and-why-does-it-matter/
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair. I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with hanging prints.
Friendly reminder: jargon doesn’t make you seem confident.
(In fact, studies show the opposite.)
Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that reads: "The more anxious people feel about their status, the more jargon they use."
(In fact, studies show the opposite.)
Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that reads: "The more anxious people feel about their status, the more jargon they use."
November 6, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Friendly reminder: jargon doesn’t make you seem confident.
(In fact, studies show the opposite.)
Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that reads: "The more anxious people feel about their status, the more jargon they use."
(In fact, studies show the opposite.)
Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that reads: "The more anxious people feel about their status, the more jargon they use."
Mistakes are an inevitable (useful!) part of learning.
That's especially true when we're talking about inclusion and accessibility.
ID: I'm sat on a stool, wearing jeans and a jumper. I'm smiling with my phone in my hand. At the bottom, text says: "Candid self-portrait studio."
That's especially true when we're talking about inclusion and accessibility.
ID: I'm sat on a stool, wearing jeans and a jumper. I'm smiling with my phone in my hand. At the bottom, text says: "Candid self-portrait studio."
November 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Mistakes are an inevitable (useful!) part of learning.
That's especially true when we're talking about inclusion and accessibility.
ID: I'm sat on a stool, wearing jeans and a jumper. I'm smiling with my phone in my hand. At the bottom, text says: "Candid self-portrait studio."
That's especially true when we're talking about inclusion and accessibility.
ID: I'm sat on a stool, wearing jeans and a jumper. I'm smiling with my phone in my hand. At the bottom, text says: "Candid self-portrait studio."
The reddest of client red flags:
Late payment because *you* have cash flow problems.
Is it just me, or is this happening more and more? Even from giant agencies and multinational corporations.
“We’re waiting to get paid by our client."
Ahem. I'm a freelancer, not your unofficial overdraft 🙂↔️
Late payment because *you* have cash flow problems.
Is it just me, or is this happening more and more? Even from giant agencies and multinational corporations.
“We’re waiting to get paid by our client."
Ahem. I'm a freelancer, not your unofficial overdraft 🙂↔️
October 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
The reddest of client red flags:
Late payment because *you* have cash flow problems.
Is it just me, or is this happening more and more? Even from giant agencies and multinational corporations.
“We’re waiting to get paid by our client."
Ahem. I'm a freelancer, not your unofficial overdraft 🙂↔️
Late payment because *you* have cash flow problems.
Is it just me, or is this happening more and more? Even from giant agencies and multinational corporations.
“We’re waiting to get paid by our client."
Ahem. I'm a freelancer, not your unofficial overdraft 🙂↔️
I try to be the clearest, most accessible communicator I can be.
And yet… I sometimes struggle.
- I get stressed/distracted
- I show up with brain fog
- I’m exhausted after a bad night’s sleep
Video description: I'm a white woman, I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
And yet… I sometimes struggle.
- I get stressed/distracted
- I show up with brain fog
- I’m exhausted after a bad night’s sleep
Video description: I'm a white woman, I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
October 28, 2025 at 6:03 PM
I try to be the clearest, most accessible communicator I can be.
And yet… I sometimes struggle.
- I get stressed/distracted
- I show up with brain fog
- I’m exhausted after a bad night’s sleep
Video description: I'm a white woman, I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
And yet… I sometimes struggle.
- I get stressed/distracted
- I show up with brain fog
- I’m exhausted after a bad night’s sleep
Video description: I'm a white woman, I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
The 1 post freelancers should share:
(It's cringe, but we gotta do it.)
"Work with me."
(It's cringe, but we gotta do it.)
"Work with me."
October 27, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The 1 post freelancers should share:
(It's cringe, but we gotta do it.)
"Work with me."
(It's cringe, but we gotta do it.)
"Work with me."
Who else went freelance for the “freedom”? 🫣
And who else ended up:
- Working hours that don’t suit you
- Saying “yes” to projects that drain you
- Running flat out with no breaks
- Never taking a proper holiday
This isn’t what you signed up for, is it?
And who else ended up:
- Working hours that don’t suit you
- Saying “yes” to projects that drain you
- Running flat out with no breaks
- Never taking a proper holiday
This isn’t what you signed up for, is it?
October 22, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Who else went freelance for the “freedom”? 🫣
And who else ended up:
- Working hours that don’t suit you
- Saying “yes” to projects that drain you
- Running flat out with no breaks
- Never taking a proper holiday
This isn’t what you signed up for, is it?
And who else ended up:
- Working hours that don’t suit you
- Saying “yes” to projects that drain you
- Running flat out with no breaks
- Never taking a proper holiday
This isn’t what you signed up for, is it?
When giving instructions, include 3 things:
1. What you want done
2. When you want it done
3. Why it matters
This is what Ellie Middleton calls the "what, by when, and why" framework.
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
1. What you want done
2. When you want it done
3. Why it matters
This is what Ellie Middleton calls the "what, by when, and why" framework.
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
October 21, 2025 at 9:02 AM
When giving instructions, include 3 things:
1. What you want done
2. When you want it done
3. Why it matters
This is what Ellie Middleton calls the "what, by when, and why" framework.
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
1. What you want done
2. When you want it done
3. Why it matters
This is what Ellie Middleton calls the "what, by when, and why" framework.
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
Your company might share well-intentioned statements like:
- “We are shocked by this racist news.”
- “We must support our racially minoritised colleagues.”
But these messages can cause harm.
Who does “we” actually refer to? (Is it just white folks?)
- “We are shocked by this racist news.”
- “We must support our racially minoritised colleagues.”
But these messages can cause harm.
Who does “we” actually refer to? (Is it just white folks?)
![A pale yellow background with dark green and burnt orange text. Large text in the centre reads: “Here at [organisation], we are shocked by this racist news. We must support our racially minoritised colleagues.” Annotations read: “It might not be surprising for folks who regularly experience racism”, “White as default”, “Does 'we' not include racially minoritised colleagues?"](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:bafgpgcdqvprapopwr7kl3oa/bafkreidedluk7qzyzqatgjn4bcglrdzrfjmhcz3qsw4qpctzp3tcm27f3e@jpeg)
October 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Your company might share well-intentioned statements like:
- “We are shocked by this racist news.”
- “We must support our racially minoritised colleagues.”
But these messages can cause harm.
Who does “we” actually refer to? (Is it just white folks?)
- “We are shocked by this racist news.”
- “We must support our racially minoritised colleagues.”
But these messages can cause harm.
Who does “we” actually refer to? (Is it just white folks?)
5 ways to use emojis accessibly:
1. Don't use them as bullet points
2. Stick to one or two per post
3. Don’t replace words with emojis
4. Use emojis that work well on light/dark backgrounds
5. Put them at the end of sentences
1. Don't use them as bullet points
2. Stick to one or two per post
3. Don’t replace words with emojis
4. Use emojis that work well on light/dark backgrounds
5. Put them at the end of sentences
The secret life of emojis
The surprising jobs they do, how to use them accessibly, and make sure they pack a punch 👊
fightingtalk.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:03 AM
5 ways to use emojis accessibly:
1. Don't use them as bullet points
2. Stick to one or two per post
3. Don’t replace words with emojis
4. Use emojis that work well on light/dark backgrounds
5. Put them at the end of sentences
1. Don't use them as bullet points
2. Stick to one or two per post
3. Don’t replace words with emojis
4. Use emojis that work well on light/dark backgrounds
5. Put them at the end of sentences
Wayyy too many organisations think it’s complex, confusing or expensive to make their communications inclusive and accessible.
It's not.
I loved joining Peta O'Brien-Day on her fabulous podcast, the Soapbox.
www.buzzsprout.com/2194591/epis...
It's not.
I loved joining Peta O'Brien-Day on her fabulous podcast, the Soapbox.
www.buzzsprout.com/2194591/epis...
October 15, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Wayyy too many organisations think it’s complex, confusing or expensive to make their communications inclusive and accessible.
It's not.
I loved joining Peta O'Brien-Day on her fabulous podcast, the Soapbox.
www.buzzsprout.com/2194591/epis...
It's not.
I loved joining Peta O'Brien-Day on her fabulous podcast, the Soapbox.
www.buzzsprout.com/2194591/epis...
“Hey, can we talk?”
My brain translates that as: "You're in big trouble."
Context can prevent stress for a lot of ADHDers - and many other folks!
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a white shirt. I'm in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
My brain translates that as: "You're in big trouble."
Context can prevent stress for a lot of ADHDers - and many other folks!
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a white shirt. I'm in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
October 15, 2025 at 9:03 AM
“Hey, can we talk?”
My brain translates that as: "You're in big trouble."
Context can prevent stress for a lot of ADHDers - and many other folks!
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a white shirt. I'm in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
My brain translates that as: "You're in big trouble."
Context can prevent stress for a lot of ADHDers - and many other folks!
Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a white shirt. I'm in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.
Branding folks! Do you care about inclusion and driving positive impact? Then I've got something just for you. 😊
Come along to my inclusive branding masterclass on Thursday 9 October for The Subtext.
Come along to my inclusive branding masterclass on Thursday 9 October for The Subtext.
Inclusive Writing for Brands · Zoom · Luma
At The Subtext, we want to create opportunities for creatives to embrace their curiosity, break away from industry echo chambers, and soak up fresh…
luma.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Branding folks! Do you care about inclusion and driving positive impact? Then I've got something just for you. 😊
Come along to my inclusive branding masterclass on Thursday 9 October for The Subtext.
Come along to my inclusive branding masterclass on Thursday 9 October for The Subtext.
A simple way to accommodate ADHDers?
Start requests with a clear note on how urgent they are:
• “For Monday”
• “Open after your holiday”
• “Non-urgent request”
• “Top priority for next week”
This small change helps everyone - not just ADHDers.
Try it and see ☺️
Start requests with a clear note on how urgent they are:
• “For Monday”
• “Open after your holiday”
• “Non-urgent request”
• “Top priority for next week”
This small change helps everyone - not just ADHDers.
Try it and see ☺️
October 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
A simple way to accommodate ADHDers?
Start requests with a clear note on how urgent they are:
• “For Monday”
• “Open after your holiday”
• “Non-urgent request”
• “Top priority for next week”
This small change helps everyone - not just ADHDers.
Try it and see ☺️
Start requests with a clear note on how urgent they are:
• “For Monday”
• “Open after your holiday”
• “Non-urgent request”
• “Top priority for next week”
This small change helps everyone - not just ADHDers.
Try it and see ☺️
ADHD isn’t a superpower.
Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that says: "The ADHD superpower myth fetishises neurodivergent people, and leaves us without vital support."
(1/3)
Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that says: "The ADHD superpower myth fetishises neurodivergent people, and leaves us without vital support."
(1/3)
October 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM
ADHD isn’t a superpower.
Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that says: "The ADHD superpower myth fetishises neurodivergent people, and leaves us without vital support."
(1/3)
Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that says: "The ADHD superpower myth fetishises neurodivergent people, and leaves us without vital support."
(1/3)
Bullshit suggestions for ADHDers:
- get a new notebook
- limit distractions
- just get organised!
- read [productivity book by neurotypical man]
- have you tried time management?
- make a routine
- try harder
- prioritise better
- stop procrastinating
- write a to-do list
- stop overthinking
- get a new notebook
- limit distractions
- just get organised!
- read [productivity book by neurotypical man]
- have you tried time management?
- make a routine
- try harder
- prioritise better
- stop procrastinating
- write a to-do list
- stop overthinking
September 29, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Bullshit suggestions for ADHDers:
- get a new notebook
- limit distractions
- just get organised!
- read [productivity book by neurotypical man]
- have you tried time management?
- make a routine
- try harder
- prioritise better
- stop procrastinating
- write a to-do list
- stop overthinking
- get a new notebook
- limit distractions
- just get organised!
- read [productivity book by neurotypical man]
- have you tried time management?
- make a routine
- try harder
- prioritise better
- stop procrastinating
- write a to-do list
- stop overthinking